April 2006

May 7th, 2006 by admin

My name is Floyd “Buck” Jourdain. I am the incumbent Chairman of the Red Lake Nation. I am asking for your support in May as I seek re-election to the Tribal Council.

I consider everyday that I am able to work for the tribe as a special day that I am extremely thankful for. I owe it all to you, the tribal members, for allowing me to serve in our nation’s highest office.

I have a tough re-election battle ahead of me. My opponents are formidable, have abundant resources, and will go to any lengths to attain leadership and control of the Red Lake Nation.

My philosophy is simple. “Sovereignty is the basis for everything.” Without it we cease to exist as Indian people. Strong tribal governments govern themselves. They do not allow others to dictate tribal affairs or hand over their responsibilities to others to do as they please.

Over the course of my administration I have fought hard to strengthen leadership at Red Lake so that we may establish accountability in all areas including, effective government, tribal programs, tribal courts, and law enforcement. I have pushed to curb unauthorized encroachments on Indian lands, and jurisdictions by those who fail to honor treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, and improperly impose state laws on Red Lake Nation members.

I have fought hard to re-establish a respectful and effective working relationship with the rest of the tribes throughout Indian country, and the Canadian First Nations. Tribes need each other now more than ever in order to pursue economic opportunities, and to present a united front against a continued erosion of the federal trust responsibility.

Red Lake has once again regained its rightful place as a leader in Indian country. This is evident in our noticeable presence at both St Paul, and in Washington D.C.

I have stood strong in the face of adversity, and have maintained a healthy and optimistic attitude through it all. I refuse to fall victim to the creeping negativity that so many of our tribal members have grown tired of. This election is an opportunity to once and for all, lay to rest the type of ineffective leadership that has divided our tribe, hindered progress, and pitted us against our brothers, and sisters.

Within the next several months our tribe will experience retired debt services on gaming expansion projects. The return of the famous Red Lake Walleye, and a thriving fishing industry is upon us once again. Forestry settlement funds will soon be available to the tribe. All of these resources will become a reality in the next term of office. My administration has had to manage the tribe through the most economically depressed period in the history of the tribe, and on top of that has had to manage the devastating tragedy that occurred in March of 2005.

There are better and brighter days ahead for the tribe. I have led the tribe through hard times, now with your support, I would like the opportunity to steer our tribe on to better days.

I look forward to your support in the May election.

Miigwetch,

Floyd “Buck” Jourdain

Entry Filed under: All, Articles